Harold Matts semi-final | Manly 46 d Illawarra 6

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Double again...Manly five-eighth Kaeo Weekes has scored four tries in the last two finals wins. Photo: Bryden Sharp.

An outstanding first half performance saw the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles record a crushing 46-6 victory over Illawarra in the NSWRL Harold Matthew semi-final today.

Ilawarra went into the semi-final on the back of a 40-30 loss to undefeated minor premiers Newcastle. The Steelers finished the regular season in fourth place with six wins from eight matches.

The Sea Eagles, coached by Brett Fulton, finished the regular season in fifth place with six wins from eight games and went into the semi-final on the back of a crushing 48-6 win over Central Coast Roosters in the elimination quarter final.

The Sea Eagles scored six first half tries to take a commanding 34-0 lead into the break in a performance with five-eighth Kaeo Weekes scoring a double.